5 Things That Will Be Gone In 20 Years

When I was born, society hadn’t even dreamed about how important computers would be in our everyday lives. But in less than twenty years, they have become something that most of us can’t live without. At the same time, there are several things that have disappeared from existence in that same time frame. For instance, VHS tapes. How about toys in cereal boxes? And when is the last time you made a collect call? These are just a few examples. this makes me think and wonder what part of our everyday lives will no longer be around in 20 years. I’ve compiled a list of my Top 5. Let me know if you disagree, or if I missed any.

When I was born, society hadn’t even dreamed about how important computers would be in our everyday lives. But in less than twenty years, they have become something that most of us can’t live without. At the same time, there are several things that have disappeared from existence in that same time frame. For instance, VHS tapes. How about toys in cereal boxes? And when is the last time you made a collect call? These are just a few examples. this makes me think and wonder what part of our everyday lives will no longer be around in 20 years. I’ve compiled a list of my Top 5. Let me know if you disagree, or if I missed any.

Getty Images, Doug Benc

1

Camcorders

Remember the days when you had to put a tape in, charge the batteries before you leave the house, and hold a camcorder on your shoulder, and press your eye up to a viewfinder to see what you were recording? Camcorders have changed a lot, even since then. Most have gone digital, so no need for tape. The viewfinder is now an LCD screen. And now, you see fewer and fewer of them around. In 20 years, expect all video recorders to be on a multifunction device, currently known as a smart phone.

Getty Images, Christopher Pasatieri

2

Shoelaces

It’s a landmark. One of my first childhood memories was the first day I tied my shoes on my own. Tying my shoes was one of my first lessons. The first thing that truly taught me patience, focus, and gave me great satisfaction of being able to do it on my own. Now, there are so many alternatives to shoelaces (velcro, elastic, strapped sandals) that the shoelace has become more of a hassle than anything. I don’t think 5 year-olds in 20 years will know what to do with a shoelace if they saw one.

Getty Images, Spencer Platt

3

CD’s and DVD’s

I remember the first time I had to explain what a vinyl record was to a child. I have to admit, it was a little depressing. Kids today will be doing the same thing in 20 years, only with CD’s and DVD’s. Audio and video are so easily and inexpensively distributed and downloaded, it doesn’t make financial sense to bother with physical packaging and delivery. Growing up, there were two music stores in the mall of my hometown, and there were video rental stores at almost every corner. Now, music and video stores have all but disappeared. 20 years from now, so will the products they sell.

Dave Wheaton

4

“No Smoking” Signs

You see them everywhere now, partly because 40 years ago you could smoke anywhere. 30 years ago, you could still smoke in airplanes. 20 years ago, you could smoke in bars and restaurants. With the changing times, “No Smoking” signs are necessary to keep track of what is allowed and what isn’t. In twenty years, it’s more likely that you will see a “Smoking” sign than a “No Smoking” sign. And I’m not saying this like it’s a bad thing.

Getty Images, George Konig

5

Movie Theaters

Growing up, it was a huge deal to have my parents take me to the movies. To this day, I love it when I can find the time(and money) to plunk down a $20 bill for a couple movie tickets, then another $20 for popcorn and drinks. There’s an emotional attachment with my generation and going to the movies. The next generation, however, will likely view going to the movies as a hassle. After all, when you can get a movie theater quality visual and audio experience in the comfort of your own home, what’s the point in loading into the car and going somewhere else for the same experience? Movie theaters will likely still exist in 20 years (like drive-ins do today), but they will be more of a novelty for old coots like me than the big money business that they are today.

There you have it. Five things that are a part of our everyday life today, that will be gone in 20 years. What do you think? Do you agree with this list? Did I miss anything?

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